More ICU beds to be added, more places open to only the vaccinated
Given the increased transmissibility of the new variant, vaccination-differentiated measures will be expanded to more places from Feb 1.
Covid-19
Serious surge of infections likely if Omicron enters Philippines
The Philippines has banned inbound flights from select countries until Dec 15 to prevent the possible entry of the Omicron variant.
Vaccines may be ineffective against Omicron without booster: US study
Scientists also suggested that Omicron is more infectious than previous variants of concern.
India stuck with Covid-19 vaccines it can’t export
The Serum Institute of India has already announced plans to temporarily halve output of the vaccine until more orders came.
‘Don’t tempt the gods’: Duterte asks for rules to prevent campaign crowding
He also said that people should only be comfortable joining big crowds when scientists and experts could say that it would be safe to do so.
Vietnam agrees to restore regular international flights from Jan 1
The flights will be operated based on the guidance from the Ministry of Health on medical measures to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Osaka University develops transparent capsule for moving Covid-19 patients
The university raised about ¥18 million through crowd-funding from March to May this year, exceeding its target of ¥10 million.
Philippines missed possible deal for 50 million Covid-19 jabs: Foreign Affairs secretary
The World Health Organization (WHO) earlier warned of a possible shortage of syringes for COVID-19 vaccines in 2022.
In Korea’s worst surge, more patients die waiting for hospital beds
According to official statistics, 29 patients died at home in the last five weeks because no hospital had beds to accept them.
Japan in talks with Pfizer to move up vaccine supply schedule
Japan has already signed a contract with the US pharmaceutical giant to supply 120 million doses to be used next year.